Adam Lallana is good enough to play for Brazil, claims Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino

Adam Lallana has been hailed as ‘good enough to play for Brazil or Spain’ by his Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The England international put in another fine display on Saturday as the Saints ran out 3-0 winners over Fulham, with Lallana scoring his side’s opening goal on his 250th appearance for the club.

Lallana, having made his debut for Roy Hodgson’s men against Chile in November, is already knocking on the door for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

But Pochettino believes his midfielder is showing so much flair and quality he could walk into the squad of reigning world champions Spain or this summer’s favourites Brazil.

‘In my opinion, if Adam Lallana had a Brazilian nationality, a Spanish nationality – if he were another Mata, Oscar, Hazard, or any of these type of players – for sure, he would be going with their national side,’ said the Saints boss.

Adam Lallana is playing for a place at this summer’s World Cup (Picture: Getty)

‘I truly believe that. Of course he is a very talented player, a very special player. I really like his characteristics as a player and hopefully he can be on that plane to Brazil because I think he fully deserves to be there.

‘You can see that he is one of the most talented players in the English game right now. He is the type of player that is hard to find in any other English team.

‘It is clear to anyone the talent that he has got. His progress is consistent.

‘It’s his second season in the Premier League so it’s only normal that he’s becoming even more professional and his progress is always on the up.’